A mesothelioma case pertains to a person who has been exposed to asbestos, has developed mesothelioma symptoms as a result, and then seeks legal recourse to recover damages for medical costs, pain and suffering.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should seek medical attention and legal advice to discover whether you have a mesothelioma case.

Cancerous cells growing in the mesothelium
Mesothelioma develops when malignant (cancerous) cells grow in the body’s mesothelium. The mesothelium is a two-layered tissue found throughout the body, surrounding and protecting organs, and allowing free movement between organs. The mesothelium in the lungs is called the pleura, while the mesothelium in the abdomen is called the peritoneum.

A case of mesothelioma cancer typically begins in either the lungs (when asbestos is inhaled) or the abdomen (when it is ingested), but it can spread to other organs, including both male and female reproductive organs.

Mesothelioma is hard to identify and treat because it can have such a long latency period; a victim may not present obvious symptoms for years and years. Mesothelioma is a serious and life-threatening cancer. A person who is exposed to asbestos for as little as one or two months can develop mesothelioma 10 to 50 years later. Chemotherapy and radiation are not very effective treatments, nor is surgery. People who are diagnosed generally do not have long to live. The average survival time in a mesothelioma case ranges from one to five years.

Still used in some industries
People in a variety of industries who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos has been used in thousands of products since ancient times, but its dangers have been known only since the 1920s. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are well-documented, some businesses may still choose to use it. People who work in the building, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, and automotive industries should be tested for asbestos exposure and—if diagnosed—may be eligible to file a mesothelioma case.

If you or someone you love have been the victim of asbestos exposure leading to mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. The help of a qualified and experienced mesothelioma attorney is essential to compensating your losses. Two things must be proven in a mesothelioma case: that asbestos exposure occurred and caused mesothelioma, and that the source of the asbestos—the responsible party.

Laws governing mesothelioma vary by state, but there is usually a statute of limitations detailing the amount of time you have to file a mesothelioma claim. The dependents and beneficiaries of people who have died from one of the several types of mesothelioma may also be eligible to file a claim.